Kevin Muscat, a possible candidate for manager of the Rangers, has resigned from his position as head coach of the Japanese team Yokohama F Marinos.
The former Ibrox star, who played for Glasgow during the treble-winning 2002–03 season, departs with “mutual” consent in pursuit of a “new challenge.
It comes after Kevin Muscat was strongly linked with the Rangers job following the sacking of Michael Beale, although the gig eventually went to Philippe Clement.
Similarly, Kevin Muscat was linked to the manager’s job at Championship side Millwall, another of his former clubs, but lost out to Joe Edwards.
Kevin Muscat bows out at Yokohama F Marinos
Kevin Muscat resigns from his post in charge of Yokohama F Marinos after two-and-a-half years in charge of the Japanese side.
Having replaced Celtic-bound Ange Postecoglou in charge of the J-League side, Kevin Muscat won the J-League title last season but narrowly lost out to Vissel Kobe this time around.
Also guiding the side to a 2nd place finish in his first season in charge, the manager lifted the Japanese Super Cup earlier this year.
In a statement following his departure, Yokohama CEO Akihiro Nakayama heaped praise Kevin Muscat for “his many accomplishments
Manager Kevin Muscat has recently stepped down as the manager of Yokohama F. Marinos and will be aiming for a new challenge,” said Nakayama.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Coach Muscat for his many accomplishments.
“It was a difficult decision for the club to make, but after repeated discussions, the club respected Coach Muscat’s wishes and reached a mutual agreement.
“As the Marinos family, we would like to support Coach Muscat in his new challenge
Kevin Muscat was a top pick for the Rangers managerial position because of his attacking style of football play in Japan.
Ange Postecoglou led Celtic to victory, and it’s clear that some of them looked to the Far East, as the now-former Tottenham manager is having success in the J-League.
Albirex Niigata vs. Yokohama F. Marinos – J. League Yasuda Meiji J1
However, following a fruitful period in Japan, Kevin Muscat now seems willing to take his chances, and ultimately the Rangers managerial hunt went elsewhere.
Kevin Muscat has led Melbourne Victory in the Australian A-League after a brief and fruitless tenure as manager of Belgian team Sint Truiden.
